Hello, I’m KENTA, a Japanese manga enthusiast! In this article, we will focus on the memories of the demons in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, exploring their significance and differences. Delve into the astonishing episodes of Muzan Kibutsuji, Akaza, and Kokushibo as we uncover must-read insights for every Demon Slayer fan. By the end of this article, you’ll discover new depths of the Demon Slayer series!
1. The Conditions to Become a Demon
First, let’s touch on the basic formation of demons in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. To become a demon, one must either receive Muzan Kibutsuji’s blood or have his blood fall onto an open wound. Meeting these two conditions is what transforms a human into a demon.
・Receiving Muzan Kibutsuji’s Blood A person becomes a demon when Muzan Kibutsuji himself shares his blood with them. However, even Upper Rank demons can temporarily share Muzan’s blood with his permission. For example, Upper Rank demon Akaza attempts to share his blood with Kyojuro Rengoku in one scene.
・Muzan Kibutsuji’s Blood Falling on a Wound Another method is when Muzan’s blood falls onto an open wound. Tanjiro’s sister, Nezuko, became a demon this way. However, it’s crucial to note that it specifically requires Muzan’s blood to transform a human into a demon, not just any demon’s blood.
2. Demons with Memories
Next, we’ll introduce demons who retain their memories of their human lives. These demons vividly remember their pasts even after becoming demons, and these memories significantly influence their actions and mindset.
2-1. Kaigaku Kaigaku is a former Demon Slayer who used Thunder Breathing and was Zenitsu’s senior disciple. As an Upper Rank demon, he retains his human memories. Kaigaku remembers the tragedy at the temple and his own selfish actions. His strong desire for recognition and jealousy drove him to become a demon, and these feelings persist as his memories.
2-2. Kokushibo Kokushibo is another demon who retains his human memories. He was once the twin brother of the strongest swordsman, Yoriichi Tsugikuni, and became a demon out of jealousy and obsession. Kokushibo’s intense envy towards his brother is the source of his strength as a demon, and his memories are deeply intertwined with his reasons for becoming a demon.
3. Demons Without Memories
On the other hand, some demons have lost their human memories. Without these memories, their actions and thoughts differ significantly.
3-1. Akaza Akaza is one such demon who has lost all his memories of his human past. His past was tragic, filled with crimes committed to help his sick father, and other subsequent miseries. Akaza chose to forget his past to escape the pain it brought him.
3-2. Other Demons Many other demons also lack memories of their human lives. For instance, the Hand Demon and Rui also do not retain their human memories. They chose to live as demons by forgetting their past pains and sorrows.
4. The Exception: Doma
Here, we introduce an exception. Upper Rank Two, Doma, retains his human memories but lacks any attachment to his past. Doma is devoid of emotions, and his apathy towards his human life is why he remembers it without any particular attachment. His cold personality explains why he can retain his memories without obsession.
5. What the Presence or Absence of Memories Indicates
The presence or absence of memories in demons depends largely on their personalities and past experiences. Demons with strong jealousy or obsession retain their memories, while those who wish to forget their painful pasts lose them.
・Characteristics of Demons with Memories Demons with memories have past obsessions and intense emotions driving their actions. Demons like Kaigaku and Kokushibo derive their power as demons from their past memories.
・Characteristics of Demons Without Memories Conversely, demons without memories forget their past pains and sorrows to accept their new life as demons. Demons like Akaza choose to live as a new self by discarding their past.
6. Conclusion
The presence or absence of memories in demons in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba enhances the depth of the characters and the appeal of the story. Demons with memories are driven by intense past emotions, while those without memories embrace a new self by forgetting their past. This distinction highlights the individuality of the demons, making the story more profound and compelling.
This concludes our exploration of the differences between demons with and without memories of their human lives in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. At MangaZamurai, we share analysis articles on Japanese manga with readers worldwide. There are many other intriguing articles available, so be sure to check them out!
